Rapid response to homelessness sees 2,000 modular homes built in BC

More than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness will soon have a place to call home, thanks to a partnership between the Province and municipalities that is building new, supportive homes in 22 communities around British Columbia.

Powell River is the 22nd B.C. municipality to reach a partnership with the Province to build modular housing through the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program. One final site will be announced in the coming weeks, which will bring the total number of modular homes delivered through this program to 2,064.

In Powell River, the Province is partnering with the city. The Regional Hospital District Board is providing land to build 40 self-contained homes that will each have their own bathroom and kitchen.

The flexibility of modular technology means that a range of buildings are being developed throughout B.C. in ways that fit the housing and support needs of the communities they are in. For example, repurposed temporary modular housing was used to quickly address a critical need in Surrey, while permanent four- and five-storey buildings with elevators and other amenities are being constructed in Kamloops.

New provincial investments in modular housing are also creating thousands of jobs and boosting local economies throughout the province.

Manufacturers from Kelowna, Penticton, Cumberland, Westbank and Kamloops are building the modular units, supporting the stability and growth of local businesses.

Responding to the success of this program and significant interest from B.C. communities, the Province is launching the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund, part of Budget 2018, which will deliver an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services.